BLASTOMYCES ANTIBODY IMMUNODIFFUSION
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Test Code
322
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CPT Code
86612
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Clinical Significance
The blastomyces antibody immunodiffusion test is used for the in vitro determination of precipitating antibodies to Blastomyces dermatitidis. It is also used as an aid in the diagnosis of Blastomycosis.
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Methodology
Fungal Immunodiffusion
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Limitations
The result is not intended to be used as the sole means for clinical diagnosis or patient management decisions.
- Negative serologic tests may be observed among culturally demonstrable cases, which limits the predictive value of a negative test.
- Negative serologic results obtained during the first month may warrant repeat testing.
- Falsely negative results may be obtained when testing immunocompromised patients.
- C-Reactive Protein present in the patient’s serum may interfere with interpretation of results.
- Test results cannot be used solely to distinguish between active infection and prior exposure.
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Specimen Collection
Serum/Plasma: Separated from the clot in a leak-proof conatiner.
CSF: Sterile leak-proof container.
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Minimum Specimen Requirements
Serum/Plasma*/CSF*: 0.25 mL per antibody
* Reported with rare specimen comment applied.
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Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature: 28 days
- Refrigerated: 6 months
- Frozen: indefinite
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Specimen Rejection
Any specimen types other than serum, plasma, or CSF.
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Transport Temperature
Ambient/Refrigerated/Frozen
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Shipping
Ship on dry ice to arrive Monday‐Friday using a next day delivery service. Frozen ice packs may be substituted if sample is shipped the day of collection.
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Turnaround Time
3 days from set up date.
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Reference Range
Antibody not detected
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Interpretative Information
- Negative: Antibody not detected
- Positive: Antibody detected
* New positives may require confirmation.
** Turnaround times are provided as ranges, and may vary depending on daily testing volumes and specimen type.
*** Test set up: Samples received by 10:30AM will have same-day test set up. Positive samples may require confirmation which may extend turnaround time. Serum & CSF specimens are pretreated to improve sensitivity which can add one day to turnaround time.